Do your New Year’s resolutions involve reading more or supporting more causes? Well, I’ve got the book for you! The annual Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) launched the fifth edition of its coffee table book, immortalizing the fabulous fashions and even more magnificent women behind the outfits.

It was an honor being a part of the Selection Committee last year, and even after the party, it’s nice to relive those moments in this year’s book. Page after page, it’s a feast for the eyes with women of style and substance. We feature six icons — Ces Miranda, Brenda Ngo, Chaye Revilla, Shirley Sobremonte, Doyee Tumpalan and Elaine Yu — and their stories of triumph. A lot of things we’ve known and loved since 2022 are in this edition, like a sneak peek at some of our events. But there’s some firsts, too!

We featured a new title for ‘Hall of Fame’ for Jacqueline Michelle Lim, an inspiring woman breaking through the male-dominated industry or energy. Her story is worth beyond eight pages, but the BDWP team did their best capturing it all here.

Another first is featuring a male honoree! A first that’s well worth it for my good friend, Bobby Alvarez, whose story was featured under the Men of Exemplary Influence chapter. I won’t spoil the details — you’ll just have to read it!

I invite everyone to grab a copy to be inspired by their beautiful stories and lives well-lived. The proceeds will go towards support for the Philippines Cancer Society. Bravo to everyone who put their time and effort into this book. Worthy of our shelves — or coffee tables — at home. Cheers!